Marshall Noecker

June 10, 1915 - August 1, 2011

Grosse Pointe Farms resident Marshall Noecker, 96, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2011. Born on a farm June 10, 1915, in Sanborn, N.D., he always remembered his North Dakota roots, especially as the place where he developed his will to succeed. He graduated in 1938 from the University of Minnesota and in 1939 received the 732nd CPA license ever granted 1939. Mr. Noecker operated multiple businesses in the aluminum industry. His last and largest firm, International Extrusions, is the largest employer in Garden City. He rose above personal tragedy, losing at a young age his wife, Harriett, mother of his four oldest children. He then married Sandra Wilkinson Noecker, a mother of two young sons. Together, Marshall and Sandra had two more children. He was most proud of raising his family of eight children. He came to Detroit in 1946 to work for Kaufmann Window and Door, America’s first aluminum storm window maker. He purchased the company in 1952, and became a pioneer in the post-war aluminum industry. He was an early manufacturer of aluminum outdoor chairs, awnings, windows, doors, bus shelters and entranceways. Mr. Noecker was a founding member of the Michigan Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization and ran on a statewide ticket for the Republican Party in 1960 with George Romney. He also was a founding member of St. James Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, of which he was its first treasurer. Mr. Noecker loved traveling. His magnetic personality brought him into contact with many of the 20th Century’s well-known personalities, such as his life-long friend, Trammel Crow, and his first employer and mentor, Andrew Higgins. While working for the Higgins Boat Co. during World War II, Mr. Noecker worked with then Sen. Harry S. Truman when the senator came to review the company for the U.S. Senate. His career brought him close to several presidents of the United States, British prime ministers, Asian royalty and U.S. business tycoons. Mr. Noecker’s good friend, Tony Spellar, a member of English Parliament, introduced him to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, with whom he swapped signed copies of their memoirs. Author of six books, Mr. Noecker will be missed by those who knew him and loved him. Mr. Noecker is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sandra; son, Richard Spangler; son, Gregory Spangler, his wife, Merrilee and their children, Duncan and Victoria; son, Nicholas Noecker, his wife, Danielly and their daughters, Ava and Bebe and his daughter, Alexandra Ferrara, her husband, Dr. Richard Ferrara and their sons, Richard and Marshall. He was predeceased by his first wife, Harriett. He is survived by his children with Harriett: son, Marshall Noecker, his wife, Carlee and their daughters, Dana and Lindsey; daughter, Ann Dawson, her husband, Murray and their daughters, Lauren and Letitia; son, William Noecker, his wife, Peggy and their children, Drew and Leah; daughter, Nancy Debosek, her husband, Dick. He also is survived by his great-grandson, Maxwell. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at his longtime church home, St. James of Grosse Pointe Farms, 170 McMillan Road, Grosse Pointe Farms.